Fall is almost here in the Poconos! The Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania put on a breathtaking display as the autumn colors blanket the hills, creating the perfect setting for a variety of outdoor activities and seasonal events.
This fall, take the time to make unforgettable memories and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Poconos. Enjoy the vibrant foliage on foot, by bike, or even from the sky. Whether you’re planning a day out with friends or a family adventure, there are numerous fall festivals and harvest celebrations to explore. With exciting events happening in September, October, and November, keep reading to discover 15 must-see autumn experiences in the Poconos before the leaves are gone.
1. Hiking
Reconnect with nature and savor the crisp mountain air this fall on a hike. The Poconos offer over 260 miles of trails showcasing breathtaking views and stunning seasonal colors. Walk through a carpet of fallen leaves, uncover a picturesque waterfall framed by vibrant foliage, or spot local wildlife preparing for winter. Explore the numerous trails with convenient loops at Delaware Water Gap or immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes of Van Scott Nature Reserve, part of the Delaware Highlands Conservancy. Climb the hill above Honesdale to Irving Cliff for a charming small-town vista that once captivated Washington Irving, author of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Don’t miss the renowned Bushkill Falls, open through November (weather permitting), featuring eight waterfalls across four trails of varying lengths and difficulty.
2. Biking
Pedal beneath branches heavy with vibrant leaves—fall is the perfect season for biking in the Poconos! With two national parks and nine state parks covering over 100,000 acres, there are trails suitable for every skill level. Whether you rent a bike or bring your own, explore the scenic McDade Recreational Trail in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. You can stick to the mostly flat section of the trail between the Hialeah and Owens trailheads, or challenge yourself with the switchbacks up the ridge from Owens Trailhead, continuing through rolling hills past the park’s headquarters. Another fantastic spot for a fall ride is Lehigh Gorge State Park.
3. Trolley and Train rides
Experience the vibrant red, orange, and gold hues of the Poconos’ hillsides with a scenic trolley trip or train ride through our charming small towns. Opt for a nostalgic mode of transport and delve into the history of the Pocono Mountains during your journey. The Jim Thorpe Trolley Company and The Pocono Historic Trolley Tour offer classic trolley rides that evoke the elegance of Victorian-era vacations. Autumn train rides are a hit with everyone, from couples to families! Board the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway for a 70-minute round trip that meanders north along the Lehigh River from Jim Thorpe, taking you through the picturesque Lehigh Gorge State Park. Alternatively, the Stourbridge Line travels 25 miles through the Poconos, showcasing the fall beauty along the Lackawaxen River and passing through charming towns like Hawley and Honesdale, the cradle of the American railroad. Explore the 24 scenic and historic miles of the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor that runs alongside the Lehigh River
4. Horseback
Discover the vibrant fall colors from the saddle of a horse. Head to local stables to canter through lush forests, splash through streams, and meander across open fields, all while taking in breathtaking views. New to horseback riding? No problem! This is a fantastic opportunity to try it for the first time. Stables such as Bushkill Riding Stables, Happy Trails Stables, and Mountain Creek Stable are happy to accommodate beginners with no previous experience needed. For a more leisurely experience, Daisy Field Farm provides carriage, hay wagon, and pony rides. Remember to call in advance to book your ride.
5. Adventure Parks and Zipline
Are you captivated by the trees? Experience how the foliage appears to squirrels while you navigate among the branches! Test your skills on a tightrope strung over the forest floor, traverse a swinging log bridge high above, or zoom down the mountainside surrounded by lush greenery at a nearby adventure park. Try your hand at a treetop ropes course, rock climbing, zip lining, and more! Summit Adventure Park at Blue Mountain Resort offers five difficulty levels, ideal for young children and first-time adventurers, while Pocono TreeVentures features various configurations and an advanced course 40 feet in the air. Challenge family and friends with 87 elements at Gorilla Grove Treetop Adventures or tackle 3,000 feet of aerial obstacles at Adventure Center at Skytop Lodge. Enjoy a solo ride or challenge a friend on a mountain zip line! Experience the thrill of flying down the 900-foot zip line at Whitewater Rafting Adventures, or climb the Adventure Tower at Summit Adventure Park at Blue Mountain Resort and glide across 500 feet of zip lines. At Pocono Zip Racer in East Stroudsburg, you can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour from start to finish. Feel the rush as you zip through the trees on the 4000-foot Zip Rider or the 1000-foot Double Barrel Zipline at Camelback Mountain Adventures.
6. Paintball
Engage in an exhilarating paintball battle beneath the trees and claim your bragging rights. Test your skills at Skirmish Paintball, a premier 700-acre facility in Albrightsville, PA, featuring over 50 playing fields. Explore the scenario fields at Pocono Mountain Paintball in Nesquehoning, including Fort Courage, Trench Warfare, and Combat Creek. Visit The Paintball Asylum in Tannersville for a variety of experiences such as woods ball, speedball, airlift, and gel blasters, or combine paintball action with ATV adventures at Pocono Outdoor Adventure Paintball, located next to Pocono Raceway.
7. Golfing
Rise early to catch a breathtaking autumn sunrise and start your day at the local golf courses. Enjoy the crisp, cool air and stunning fall scenery as you play. Consider a fall golf outing at Split Rock Golf Club in Lake Harmony or The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort by the Delaware River. The picturesque Country Club of the Poconos Municipal Golf Course is nestled against the Allegheny Plateau, while the conveniently located Terra Greens Golf Course offers 3,130 yards of play. Experience “the best 18 holes in golf” all in one place at Mount Airy Golf Club, or explore the historic design of Pocono Manor Golf Course crafted by the legends.
8. Fall Festivals
Whether you’re in search of a Poconos pumpkin patch, an intricate corn maze, a relaxing hayride, a harvest festival, or a spooky haunted house, the region offers a wide variety of classic autumn events. Take the kids to The Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival at Country Junction – World’s Largest General Store, enjoy wagon rides and folk entertainment at the Quiet Valley Harvest Festival at Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, or savor seasonal treats at the Pocono Organics Fall Fest at Pocono Organics. Marvel at the illuminated pumpkins at The Electrifying Jack-O-Lantern Experience at the West End Fairgrounds, or experience a thrilling evening at Haunted Poconos Park, which transforms into a haunted attraction each fall. Check out Festivals page for what’s happening in the area!
